Our ceilidh on Friday evening included a memorable history by (Seannachaidh) John Donaldson Ross of his father and the beginnings of the Clan Ross Association of Canada, a special performance by "The Gaels", and refreshments which included a huge anniversary cake.

Click on a thumbnail photo to obtain a larger version.

ENTERTAINMENT

Andrew's Hunter Clan in-laws, called "The Gaels", entertained us at the gathering of Clan Ross Canada in London, Ontario, in 2006. hey accompanied various selections of Celtic vocal music with guitars, violin, flute and keyboard. Their two sessions kept everyone tapping their feet to the rhythm. You may watch CLICK HERE a brief video of the group taken during the first session of the ceilidh. From left to right in the photo, The Gaels are Tom, Lizz, Lynn, Christine and Paul Hunter. The daughters of Lizz and Andrew Thibodeau, Torry and Isla were seated in the audience with their grandparents during the playing of Dougie MacLean's Caledonia (the theme of The 2009 Gathering of the Clans in Edinburgh. [See the words below.] Andy disappeared during the second session following an intermission to look after the youngsters back in the hotel room.

Young Isla could hardly wait until the conclusion of the performance so she could dash up to her mother. I must say that I was amazed at the good behaviour of both youngsters while I was taking the video. The video may take a while to download, but it is well worth the wait!

Caledonia

I don't know if you can see
The changes that have come over me
In these last few days I've been afraid
That I might drift away
So I've been telling old stories, singing songs
That make me think about where I came from
And that's the reason why I seem
So far away today

Oh, but let me tell you that I love you
That I think about you all the time
Caledonia you're calling me
And now I'm going home
If I should become a stranger
You know that it would make me more than sad
Caledonia's been everything
I've ever had

Now I have moved and I've kept on moving
Proved the points that I needed proving
Lost the friends that I needed losing
Found others on the way
I have kissed the ladies and left them crying
Stolen dreams, yes there's no denying
I have traveled hard with coattails flying
Somewhere in the wind

(Chorus)

Now I'm sitting here before the fire
The empty room, the forest choir
The flames that could not get any higher
They've withered now they've gone
But I'm steady thinking my way is clear
And I know what I will do tomorrow
When the hands are shaken and the kisses flow
Then I will disappear

(Chorus)

Song by Dougie Maclean
Copyright 1982 Plant Life Music Ltd.

GUEST SPEAKER

Following the greetings by president Andrew Ross Thibodeau, past president John Donaldson Ross took his place at the lectern as the guest speaker. Later, we discussed the possibility of preserving his father's albums as well as those of Margaret Montgomery insofar as they are of specific historical interest to members of Clan Ross Canada.

REFRESHMENTS

President Andy Thibodeau, Past President and Seannachaidh Don Ross, and Past President Denis Fletcher pose with the 50th Anniversary Cake before Andy cuts it for the gathering to enjoy.